Sh*t happens in media interviews: Bullish Australian Liberal leader Tony Abbott is copping highly critical flak for seemingly being fazed into dumb silence when confronted by a newsman about comments he made about the death of an Aussie soldier in Afghanistan. Abbott defenders are saying he was maintaining a dignified silence, others opine it was blind rage. Some say rabbit in headlight syndrome. Whatever the reason, inability to think quickly and respond appropriately when in an interview tight corner can define the reputation of any politician.